Connecting Your DNA Matches

Have you ever wanted to visually see your DNA matches? I have always wanted to ‘see’ how they all intersect.

When I heard about the new product ($$) offered by Bonnie at DNA RootSearch I had to give it a go. Bonnie can create this diagram of your matches with any of the DNA testing companies that gives you matches, and Gedmatch.

I have spent this morning working with Bonnie as she is creating my chart (with my mother’s DNA). She is very thorough, confirming which lines are maternal or paternal.

This is what my mother’s chart looks like –

This diagram does not have names on it. I was also sent one with names to help identify the clusters we are seeing.

Not only visually appealing but these clusters are my mother’s DNA matches! The green cluster I have already identified as the “Hodgins cluster”, which is the surname of her grandmother.

My mother has a confirmed 2nd cousin who tested and we are both stuck in our research. Now I can easily see all the people clustered around her.

as yet unknown cluster

as yet unknown cluster

The McMahon cluster

Bonnie sent this to me as a pdf which means I can zoom in close to any of the clusters and look and see which of my mother’s matches are in each cluster. This will make it easier when identifying family groups and hopefully help me knock down a few brick walls.